Identified to species by: entomologist Douglas Yanega of the Entomology Research Museum at the University of California, Riverside. Photographed and identified to order by: Brian Baker. Douglas Yanega says it is a predatory wasp that “provisions its larvae with paralyzed katydids, stuffed into small underground chambers that are sealed when the egg is laid.” Katydids! That is one bold wasp! □ Ashmead’s digger wasp is a large wasp with an gold to orangish abdomen, including the petiole (its super-thin “waist”, sometimes called a pedicel), which is clearly seen in the right photo of the wasp’s underside. Thomas said this wasp was on a Cistus x pulverulentus ‘Sunset’ Magenta Rock Rose flower.Īshmead’s digger wasp, Sphex ashmeadi, subfamily Sphecinae, family Sphecidae. □ In the right photo, the wasp has its middle legs outstretched, making them look very long although they are about the same length as the hind legs (the forelegs are much shorter than the middle and hind legs). In flight, the two wings work as one, thanks to a tiny row of hooks, called hamuli, on the hind wing that connect it to the forewing. A close look at the left wing in flight shows both the forewing and hind wing. □ The photographer captured this great black digger wasp both on the flower and just as it took flight. Paula says they were “burrowing like mad in the sand of the window wells that surround the basement windows (on the outside).” Location: Northern Saratoga County, New York, USA. The photographer described this one as “at least 1–1.25 inches” (2.5-3.2 cm). It is quite a feat to fly carrying a katydid that may weigh three times as much as the wasp! □ Female great black digger wasps will sting and paralyze katydids and bring them to their nests to feed their larvae. Thomas said this one was about 2 cm (0.8 inches) long. Location: city of San Bruno, county of San Mateo, California, USA. Photographed and identified by: Thomas Langhans. The tunnels can extend a foot (30 cm) or more and end in small chambers where the female lays her eggs. □ They are called digging wasps because they dig tunnels into sandy ground. □ This great black digger wasp has a jet-black body and blue-black wings. Great black digger wasp, Sphex pensylvanicus, subfamily Sphecinae, family Sphecidae. Sphecidae, the thread-waisted wasps, including the digger wasps Order Hymenoptera: the bees, wasps, hornets and allies - Examplesįamilies represented - (current page): It’s always possible that we made a mistake, however, so if you see a misidentification, please contact us and we will correct it. *** Note: does its best to include correct identifications of insect photos.
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